Helpful websites for content/review...and a pep talk :)

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I'm not a student anymore buuut I know how hard it is when getting your feet wet when it comes to anatomy, diseases, meds, s/s-etc etc. For me, the process was trial and error and I'd like to take some time to help a student(s) out there who may be feeling a little overwhelmed by sharing some resources I've found helpful over the years to now. Anyway, some of these you'll find on this site all ready and some I just stumbled across. As always, use them as a supplement to information in your textbooks and professors along with your critical thinking and nursing judgement (which if it hasn't already will come in time, I promise). Soon you'll be thinking like a nurse without even realizing it.

I did the nursing program with no family and one friend on my side who went through the program with me. People told me I had no head for it or that I would be crawling back to my old life or that to give up a job in this economy for a dream.

You gotta realize that if people tell you you can't do something, it's not that they're talking about you. Rather what they say is many times a reflection of themselves, they are talking about their own perceived inadequacies or their "image" of you; it has no bearing on YOU and your capabilities. Don't hold what they say in your heart, but don't hate them for it either. Realize you could be caring for them or someone like them one day. I'm grateful for nursing because it softened my heart because of this fact-and when you obtain that official RN title, don't let yourself become jaded to the tenderness that is inherent in nursing (but having said that don't mistake tenderness for being a push over!)

Completing nursing school is no joke, but it's not impossible. I developed hypoglycemia,

lost hair, had numerous panic attacks and sometimes the only nights I could sleep was because I cried myself out because I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Compound this with the fact that I was in an ACCELERATED nursing program :/

However, what became of me is that I graduated with a 3.6 GPA and I'm scheduled to take the NCLEX in 2 days. I'm anxious but I know that I've put all of my heart into everything I've done. Whether I pass or fail it'll be a learning experience. Put all of your heart into into what you do, resist the temptation to take the easy way out in whatever you do- whether dedicating study time, working on a care plan or taking an exam. Don't cheat yourself. You may feel like you're struggling to keep your head above water, but take it one day at a time, breathe, focus on what you want in life (short term and long).

Ok I'll be quiet :D Here are those websites-not in their entirety but some core ones I took advantage of. The information is free and open to the public

http://nursing411.org/Courses.html free modules, distance learning, videos

merckmanuals.com

just overall incredible site on disorders with an easy to read format

http://www.mtw.nhs.uk/formulary/drug-index.asp

general drug guide

http://hsl.lib.umn.edu/learn/ebp/mod01/index.html

Evidence based practice-drilled into our heads until we got nauseous just from the phrase

http://nursing.slcc.edu/nclexrn3500

My suggestion is not to wait until your last year to go into panic mode with NCLEX questions-best to start asap so you can familiarize yourself with the format and learning to think like the NCLEX wants you to. this site was down but has been revived.

http://armymedical.tpub.com/MD0540/MD05400007.htm

review of your infection control-can't overstate this topic enough.

http://www.icufaqs.org/

cute site from an ICU perspective. not your major focus-don't worry. he talks about steps to take in case of emergencies like sudden loss of LOC, pulmonary embolism, etc also which is helpful in any situation.

the kaplan trainer series which you can find on slideshare

http://www.interactive-biology.com/category/ibtv/human-anatomy-ibtv/

really cool interactive modules on A&P

another tip: if you're looking for information, whether on a disease process or a body system or on the nclex or procedure- type in the name of whatever it is you're looking for into google, then type in "pdf" or "booklet". Some of the best information you can find is in a compressed file put up by a hospital for their nurses or a nursing program for their students. Can't stress it enough to make sure you verify this information before taking it as gold though because even the best resources have their errors.

As an example: http://www.edconcepts.net/media/pdf/Brochures

For those studying for the NCLEX RN or who want to get a head start

Good luck, keep your head up and big hugs to you.

BTW don't spend all day with your nose in your textbook or in your computer screen- it's not healthy. Get out of the house and take it easy sometimes!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thank you so much for the incredible wealth of information! :up: This is super helpful moving forward as a first semester nursing student. I've bookmarked this thread for future reference as well as a simple reminder to step back and enjoy myself during the craziness of nursing school. :shy:

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Yes, and it will only get crazier :) . Surround yourself with positive hard working fellow students-you'll provide each other with a huge amount of strength in troublesome times and make celebration sweeter in the good times. You may not remember much about mitral valve prolapse or diabetes insipidus but you can always review that; the bonds you make with good friends last for years.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Bookmarked. :up: And thank you for thinking of us! My orienation is Monday and I start school the 26th. I'm an old hag of 49, drier'n Ghandi's sandals. But whatever! I'm going for it! :geek:

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Yes, and it will only get crazier :) . Surround yourself with positive hard working fellow students-you'll provide each other with a huge amount of strength in troublesome times and make celebration sweeter in the good times. You may not remember much about mitral valve prolapse or diabetes insipidus but you can always review that; the bonds you make with good friends last for years.

Absolutely! :-) I transferred into my university last fall and have become close to two other girls who also transferred in that same semester, so we've stuck by one another ever since and are beginning the program together. I've definitely heard it helps to have others to lean on in the program because they'll naturally understand what you're going through. I know their study habits and know that they're serious about their education, so it's those types of students who I genuinely feel "safe" with and know they bring out the best in me academically. :-)

Haha, and celebrate we will- especially after exams to shake off the stress! :-)

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Thank you so much for the incredible wealth of information! :up: This is super helpful moving forward as a first semester nursing student. I've bookmarked this thread for future reference as well as a simple reminder to step back and enjoy myself during the craziness of nursing school. :shy:

Same! Thanks for being so generous and insightful! My accelerated program starts 9/3 and I'm so excited to start!

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Specializes in CNA/HHA 1995-2009.

TYX:yes:

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*update

Today I took my NCLEX-RN at 8:00 am. It was everything you have probably read on this site; mind-bogglingly random, depressing and nauseating yet somewhat liberating. Many times I was left shaking my head at the computer or throwing myself back in my chair so far because of sheer frustration that I almost tipped over...twice. Even if you are only in your first year, my suggestion is that you get a good solid review book and start working these NCLEX style questions (note "STYLE" because when you get this test you will realize that it's just that) like YESTERDAY. Don't put this off if you can help it, this test is to be respected- it, as well as your future livelihood, is NO JOKE. My computer shut off at 75 questions and I can tell you I have NO IDEA how I did. And this is over the course of a 3 year program, Hogan, Saunders, Kaplan trainers online and nursing 3500 questions. I tried the PearsonVue trick (hope this still works) and I got the "good pop up" but I won't get my hopes up. It's really just helping me sleep at night until I find out for sure :)

Keep pushing, keep learning, keep the faith and tell yourself that you are gonna go in with the sole purpose of coming out of that testing center knowing you gave it the best you had.

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